STRATFORD NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVI, Issue 259, 31 March 1914, Page 3

STRATFORD NEWS.

FROM OUR RESIDENT REPORTER.

Office and Job Printing Works: York Chambers (upstairs)' Telephone No. 113.

THE MOUNTAIN.CLUB. '(By Alpenstock.) Under the hydraulic influence of the Club, the membership has now been raised to the number of 170, a pleasing feature being the large number of ladies who have enlisted in the cause of promoting Egmont's interests, and by their enthusiasm and energy have materially advanced tSie interests of the [ club. Possibly it may not be generally known that Fantham's Peak derived its name from the fact that Mrs. Fred Bayly, a member of the club, and who was in those days a Miss Fantham, was the first lady to reach the top of the peak. One can hardly realise the difficulties that beset the intrepid explorers of those days. No roads suitable for motors existed; in fact, the tracks of cattle gone wild were the only ones that afforded even passable going. Our main arteries were not in as good condition as the mountain tracks are of to-day. Imagine the bush reaching from Broadway, none having been felled, picture Nature's entanglements besetting you at. ' every stride, the bush lawyers seizing you in their clutches and leaving you bloodstained and a sorry spectacle; observe the wild pigs scampering across the quagmire that stood as a substitute for a road, only to disappear in t)he dark and damp undergrowth, and remember that Mountain houses were conspicuous by their absence, which necessitated the carrying of tents, to shield one from the Mountain's blast, and stocks of provisions on which to exist. Kinematograph before your view these drawbacks, magnified one hundred-fold, and you will then doubtless appreciate the indomitable courage and the perseverance necessary to surmount the all too numerous difficulties that confronted the early pioneer. Mrs. Bayly's achievement is one of Which she may feel justly proud. How interesting It would.be to us young alpine enthusiasts if some of those who interested themselves in the days of long ago in 'the mountain were to publish their experiences, or to supply facts. During last week a number of ladies connected with; the club made the journey to the summit. Conspicuous among their number were the Misses Drew, of Douglas, who speak in words of unbounded admiration of the awful grandeur of the view, as witnessed from the crater of the extinct volcano, and are firm in their decisioa to again subdue the old snow topped monarch at their earliest opportunity. The Mountain lily, who so assiduously attended to the wants of the frequenters of our Mountain House, has a»cepted the call.of one from our midst, to face the -world matrimonially. Wlii'e missing tJEic ' influence of her angelic presence, as judged by the sweet smile that accompanied the words of comfort that cheered the hearts of the tired climbers, the club extends to her its very best wishes, and sincerely hopes that her path to happinness and prosperity will be Btrewn with the petals of the Mountain rose.

Those who doubt the beauty of the scenery surrounding the Stratford Mountain House are asked to view the photographs encased at the entrance to the municipal buildings in Broadway. The pictures, which were taken by Mr. Williiims, caretaker of the Mountain Housp. are of the lower and upper falls, Stratford Mountain House, and two views of fhe track leading to the House, in which the good condition of the track is observed,

BERNARD'S PICTURES It is not always tliat a problem play proves a, success, but the absorbing interest created by "The Fatal Legacy,", which was the star drama presented to patrons of the above pictures last night, accounted for the enthusiasm that was manifested over this exceptionally forceful drama. The various incidents were followed by the large audience, with intense keenness, and the sensational episodes were all cleverly worked out. The subject of heredity is one that is attracting much attention at the present time, especially in connection wth the lust for alcohol. The most has been made of the theme in this striking drama, and not a few of those present last night were deeply stirred by the graphic pictures which arc used to illustrate the phases of the lust for alcohol. It is certainly a picture drama that no one should miss. The supporting films are all well worth seeing, and the programme is one that reflects great credit on the management. It will be again screened to-night. The musical accompaniments are bright, popular and pleasingly rendered by the capable orchestra.

TOWN HAIL PICTURES. The new programme which was screened at the Town Hall last night met with great appreciation, and it certainly desorved this mark of favor. "From out of the Past" is one of. those dramas that appeal very strongly to the best instincts in human nature, while it shows a man who under the greatest temptation has yielded, but in time has acquired the strongest sense of rectitude, which arms him against the wiles of a revengeful woman, and enables him to triumph over evil. The various episodes in this exciting drama are worked out ] with consummate art,, and its happy ending evoked much satisfaction. All the other dramas screened were of great merit, while their varied nature,, excellent setting, and interesting details caused each of them to be received with much pleasure. The scenic, educational and humorous films were all of the best, and, together with the enjoyable music contributed by Professor Henderson, made the entertainment one of the most pleasing that has been screened. To-night the hall has been taken by the Xew Plymouth Operatic Society, but last night's programme will he screened again to-morrow (Wednesday) night, there being a complete change on Thursday.

PERSONAL. Mr. and Mrs. Wilford Pevrv have book- ' ed their passage for England by the Niagara, which sails about' April !). Mr. Kenned}' goes by the same vessel. GENERAL NEWS. The clerk of the Stratford Magistrate's Court, Mr. W. J. Reeve, sets an admirable example to similar officials elsewhere in keeping all records strictly up to date. At the closing of bis office yesterday he was able' to furnish the ' Daily Xcws reporter with the complete returns for the past quarter, which,

»■ owing to to-day being observed as a holiday, ended yesterday. Owing to a typographical error, the amount of the Stratford Racing Club's present overdraft, referred to in yesterday's issue, wag made to appear as £7OO instead of £l7tm. There appears to be every prospect of a contested election to fill the two vacant seats on the Stratford County Council. The Acclimatisation Society has received a consignment of fifty pheasants, which will be liberated at the end of the ensuing shooting season. Meanwhile they are being cared for by Mr. Budge.

Eight sticks of dark Havelock tobacco for fis; eight sticks of Derby, 6s; eight 2oz tins Havelock, 7s 6d; eight 2oz tins Derby, 7s <>d. These are specimen prices from Stan. Sharp's stock of smokers' requisites. Next Bellringert, Stratford. There is no questioning the fact that "The Kash" is the best place in Stratford for men to supply their clothing and mercery wants. Quality and pri«a tell their own unequalled story in favor of the store.

Your photograph will please them all —some of your friends have been expecting one for a long time—don't be satisfied with one taken years ago. just as you are to-day, in your everyday attire. Having your portrait taken is as pleasant as an informal call on good friends. Make an appointment to-day with Mr. McAlister, Stratfori